Parabens are generally known as substances that you should avoid, because they could possibly cause (breast) cancer. But what exactly are parabens, and are they really that harmful?

What are parabens?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that mainly work against fungi, but also against bacteria. These are substances that are used in cosmetics, medicines, foodstuffs and household items such as cleaning agents and glue.Parabens were discovered in the 1920s; They have been widely used in cosmetics since the mid-20th century.

What types of parabens are there?

Commonly used parabens in cosmetics are:

• butyl parabens
• methylparabens
• propyl parabens
• butyl parabens

Controversy: are parabens harmful?

There was a lot of fuss about the use of parabens for a while, after these substances were found in tissue from women with breast cancer during a study. This quickly made the link between parabens and cancer. This is thought to be due to the estrogen-like properties of parabens, with excess estrogen promoting the development of cancer. However, several other studies show that there is no link between cancer and parabens.It is also questionable whether this can be directly linked to cosmetic products that contain parabens; After all, many foods also contain parabens and it is more likely that these end up in the body than parabens from creams and make-up. However, further research into the link between cancer and parabens is required: many people choose to avoid parabens until there is more clarity about this.Parabens have not been found to be harmful: they are substances with a low toxic value. They also pose no problems for the environment: as long as there is sufficient oxygen , they are broken down very quickly.It is true that parabens can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Alternatives

Parabens are used in cosmetics to ensure that the product has a longer shelf life. However, many natural brands choose not to use parabens: the consequence of this is that the products have a shorter shelf life and are more susceptible to spoilage and mold. If you choose to avoid parabens, this is still the best option for now.Another option is to add alcohol as a preservative. However, this has a harmful effect on the skin and hair, so it is not preferable to use it to extend the shelf life of a product.Numerous other chemical compounds are now known that have a similar effect to parabens. The problem with this, however, is that they have not been used for long, while parabens have been used on a large scale since the 1950s: little is known about the safety of these substances, so it cannot be said that they are actually safer than current preservatives.